River Cree hatchery wins North Atlantic Salmon Fund award.
The River Cree Hatchery and Habitat Trust has won the inaugural Orri Award from the North Atlantic Salmon Fund, recognising community-led conservation initiatives supporting the recovery of Atlantic salmon.
The Galloway-based trust was founded in 2011 by Jamie Hyslop and members of the Newton Stewart and District Angling Association. Alongside the award, the organisation has received a £10,000 grant to support river restoration, habitat improvement and education work in south-west Scotland.
The funding will be used to improve the quality and survival rates of salmon fry used to supplement the River Cree’s wild population. Atlantic salmon is currently classified as an endangered species.
A spokesperson for the trust said the award reflected growing recognition of locally driven conservation efforts and confirmed that projects will move into a delivery phase in 2026, including further habitat restoration and community engagement activities.